Review of AIDAnova

Launched in 2018, AIDAnova cruise ship was built at Meyer Werft shipyard (Papenburg Germany). This is the first of three AIDA Helios-class liners. The second ship (still unnamed) will be launched in 2021 spring, while the 3rd (TBN) will be delivered in 2023. AIDA's Helios-class was preceded by the Hyperion-Class (AIDAprima and AIDAperla). AIDAnova is the company's 8 vessel built in Papenburg.

History - construction & ownership

AIDA Cruises is a German cruise line that is British-American owned and based in Rostock (Germany). Founded originally as Deutsche Seereederei, in the 1960s the company entered cruise industry. In 2000, AIDA Cruises was purchased by P&O Princess Cruises. After in 2003 Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess formed Carnival Corporation & plc, the executive control of AIDA was transferred to Costa Cruises, responsible for Carnival Group European brands.

The 183,900-ton, 5200-passenger cruise ship AIDAnova is among the world's most technologically advanced vessels. The newbuild was handed over to the company in autumn 2018.

Besides the ship's staff and crew, AIDA cruise passengers are also served by Peper robots - latest cyborg technology implemented fleetwide in 2016. These humanoid robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation. They also assist them throughout the cruise by providing information and tips on onboard dining, entertainment, enrichment program (workshops, pre-scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, shore excursions and tours. Pepper robots are mobile and communicate in 3 languages (English, German, Italian). They can also interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tones and face expressions.

As serving mainly the German-speaking market, AIDA operates the Nova ship with fly-cruise deals from Germany and also from the UK.

Cabins

There are a total of 2,500 passenger cabins in 21 categories on 20 decks - from single cabins to penthouse suites.

Dining options - Food & Drinks

The new AIDAnova has a variety of dining options. Among its 17 dining venues are the specialty restaurants Casa Nova, French Kiss, and Brauhaus, as well as 5 buffet restaurants (including the family-themed Fuego), the classic Bella Donna and Markt Restaurant. Guests onboard can visit the AIDA cooking school and try interactive cooking classes.

The ship features an exclusive Spray Bar which is spread across 2 decks and operated via pertnership with Moet & Chandon (1869-established Frecnch champagne producer). At the ship's stern is the Lanai Bar (Deck 8). At Patio Bar (Deck 16 aft) passengers can enjoy the same view as the Captain. Other bars are the nightclub Nightfly, M Bar, Tapas & Bar, club D6.

Entertainment options - Fun & Sport

Deck 16 features an activity deck with a water slide, water park, high rope garden and mini golf. The beach club (introduced with tha Hyperion-class) is also available on the Helios-class ships. The pool deck is covered via an openable roof in lightweight construction.

Passengers can unwind by the pool in the AIDAnova’s Beach Club. At night, this area turns into a magnificent party scene. The Beach Club is housed beneath the expandable membrane roof. It features the activity area ‘Four Elements’ (based on water, air, fire and earth). Guests can have their best “AIDA fun” on the two water slides, or to try rock climbing, or any other activities on the ship’s sports deck. This deck also has a giant LED wall for movies and other outdoor video entertainment. In addition to the Teens and Kids Clubs on board, for the first time there is a “Mini Club” for infants from 6 months.

The panoramic glass elevators which connect the outdoor areas, as well as the glass 45-meter above water level skywalk are among the other highlights. Organic treatments pamper at the Body & Soul Organic Spa. AIDA plaza offers a wealth of bars and shops and functions as a meeting place and a stage for street performers. The enhanced Theatrium is the heart of the entertainment – its round stage is the trademark of AIDA Cruises.

Follows the complete list of AIDAnova lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

Kids Club (AIDA Cruises kids program is complimentary, with supervised, age appropriate activities: the 3 age groups include Seahorses for 3-6 yo, Dolphins for 7-9 yo and Sharks 10-11 yo; the Kids Club has outdoor area with a paddling pool)

Theatrium (3-deck high, big-capacity show lounge with large stage with dynamic platform; this is a combined Atrium-Theater-Lounge for daily entertainment, large-scale productions, cabaret and magician shows; served by Theatrium Bar)

AIDA Shop (duty-free merchandise at discount prices; the shopping arcade has a general store selling liquor and tobaccos, as well as small boutiques for jewelry, luxury watches, perfumes, brand fashion clothing, AIDA logo goods)

Four Elements (Water Park with rock climbing walls, pools and whirlpools, splash pool and fountains for children, stage for live shows, huge LED screen and 2 water slides; the activity deck is covered with a sliding glass roof)

Bar 5 Elements (serving the Aqua Park complex)

AIDA Beach Club (2-deck high relaxation oasis, covered with glass dome for tropical beach-like experience with live plants and palm trees; in the evenings, the club is transformed into a party zone)

Sundeck / sunbathing area (Freibereich, located above the swimming pool; with loungers, served by the Pool Bar); the ship’s Top Deck is dedicated to Freikorperkultur / FKK Bereich nudist area with sunloungers)

AIDAnova wiki

On September 6, 2017, was the keel-laying ceremony for the first hull block, held at the Papenburg shipyard's building dock. The first steel block (of all 90 blocks) has weight of 120 tons, width 5 m (16 ft), height 8 m (26 ft) and length 21 m (69 ft). A traditional lucky coin was placed under the first block. The ship's power plant was constructed at NEPTUN WERFT (Warnemunde Germany). It consists of all 4 low-emission LNG engines (by Caterpillar) to supply all the power needed for the vessel's shipping and hotel operations.

The ship was scheduled for delivery to AIDA Cruises on November 15, 2018.

In July 2015, Carnival Corporation signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft for the construction of all 4 new-class vessels. Of these, 2 liners were for Costa Cruises and the other 2 for AIDA (Nova and TBN1). On February 27, 2018, Carnival Corporation signed a shipbuilding contract for a 3rd AIDA ship (scheduled delivery in 2023). This was the 98th shiporder for the cruise industry's global fleet (vessels in the orderbook 2018-2026).

The ship's christening ceremony was scheduled for August 31, 2018, to be held at the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard. The show will include a live, open-air solo concert by DJ David Guetta. Advance ticket sales for the "AIDA Open Air" show started on March 9, 2018, with ticket price of EUR 35 pp. The event is unique as this is the first shipyard christening ceremony in over 20 years. The decision was made to express AIDA's gratitude to all the workers who contributed to the liner's construction.

The ship's official delivery will be in November 2018.

Inaugural itineraries 2018

In February 2018 was announced that AIDAnova will offer new ("premier cruise") itineraries scheduled prior to the maiden voyage on Dec 2.

All premiere voyages ("mini cruises") were opened for booking on February 1, 2018.

The first 4-day itinerary departs on November 15 - right after the ship's delivery in Bremerhaven. This one-way cruise leaves from Oslo to Hamburg (arriving on November 19).

Other AIDA Cruises cruise ships

AIDAnova Itineraries 2018

The below listed AIDAnova cruise prices on 2018 itineraries are
only indicative and Per Person (in US dollars, based on double occupancy). These are the
cheapest AIDA Cruises fares on the ship’s lowest category cabins available for booking. Cruise fares
typically change with departure dates approaching, last minute deals, discounts, promotions, independent travel
agency offers.

AIDAnova Itineraries 2019

The below listed AIDAnova cruise prices on 2019 itineraries are
only indicative and Per Person (in US dollars, based on double occupancy). These are the
cheapest AIDA Cruises fares on the ship’s lowest category cabins available for booking. Cruise fares
typically change with departure dates approaching, last minute deals, discounts, promotions, independent travel
agency offers.

AIDAnova Itineraries 2020

The below listed AIDAnova cruise prices on 2020 itineraries are
only indicative and Per Person (in US dollars, based on double occupancy). These are the
cheapest AIDA Cruises fares on the ship’s lowest category cabins available for booking. Cruise fares
typically change with departure dates approaching, last minute deals, discounts, promotions, independent travel
agency offers.